Chrome OS goes beta, RTM next month

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During Google I/O 2011, the company confirmed the then-Developer channel Chrome OS would ultimately be the version shipping in June on the first Chromebooks from Acer and Samsung. Now that I/O has wrapped and the June 15th launch date is rapidly approaching, the time had come for Google to push the release one step closer to RTM. Yesterday, the Chrome Releases blog announced that the beta channel had been bumped and was now utilizing the R12 code.

A number of expected pre-release changes have been made to Chrome OS, with Google’s team devoting plenty of time to polishing up the user interface and making things look consistent. An improved file browser has been added, the internal Flash plug-in updated, and new power optimizations will help users squeeze a few more minutes of life out of their Chromebook batteries.

Chrome OS’ wireless connectivity features have also been tweaked, with some Verizon-specific activation issues being addressed and more trouble-free out-of-the-box Wi-Fi and 3G hook-ups. VPN support has also arrived — which will play an important role in Chrome OS adoption in the enterprise. The Google Talk plug-in now offers better voice and video performance, the Chrome OS update mechanism is running more smoothly, and retouched OSD indicators for screen brightness and network and update status have been introduced.

But one change in particular will be particularly welcome for users of Google’s original Cr-48 Chromebook. The touchpad — which has frustrated users from the very beginning of the pilot program — has finally been addressed in the new update.